What is Angina?
Angina is a pain or discomfort in the chest, arm, or jaw that occurs when narrowed or blocked coronary arteries (the vessels that supply blood to the heart) do not allow enough
blood flow to the heart muscle. Angina typically occurs during exertion or emotional stress, when the heart works harder and needs more oxygen. It is usually relieved by rest. What You Can Do About It
Based on how severe your condition is, your doctor will prescribe a treatment plan that's right for you. Follow your doctor's instructions, take medications as directed, and report any changes in your symptoms or any side effects from medications. The treatment your doctor prescribes is only part of what needs to be done to control angina. It is also important to help prevent further build-up of fatty deposits in your
arteries by controlling those factors that brought on your condition in the first place. You can help control those factors by making certain changes in your lifestyle; enjoy a heart-healthy diet, lose weight (and keep it off), do not smoke, exercise regularly, and reduce stress in your life. How the Heart Works
The heart is a muscular, hollow organ that constantly pumps blood throughout the body. It is made
up of strong muscle tissue, called heart muscle. The heart has four chambers. The two upper chambers (atria) receive and collect blood. The two lower chambers (ventricles) pump blood. The four
heart chambers work together to contract and pump blood. As it circulates, blood delivers oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. The Coronary Arteries
In order to keep pumping blood, the heart must have a continuous supply of oxygen. The coronary arteries are the vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. As blood leaves the left ventricle, it is forced into the body's main artery, the aorta. At the very beginning of the aorta, near the top of the heart, emerge the two coronary arteries. They are referred to as the "left" and "right" coronary arteries.
The first segment of the left coronary artery is called the left main artery. It is about as wide as a drinking straw, and less than an inch long. The left main artery then branches into two slightly narrower arteries: the left anterior descending, which travels down the front side of the heart; and the left circumflex, which circles around the left side and then to the back of the heart. CONTINUED >
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